Should Wes Ferrell Be in the Baseball Hall of Fame?

When it comes to the discussion of whether Wes Ferrell should be inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame, the answer is a resounding yes. While many may argue that his career doesn't quite match the standards set by HOF candidates, a closer examination reveals a player who was extraordinarily consistent and highly effective in both his pitching and batting roles.

Wes Ferrell’s Pitching Career

Wes Ferrell had a long career, often described as good but not great. He was a workhorse on the mound, leading the league in complete games and innings pitched three consecutive seasons, which was a dream for any manager. His consistency allowed teams to count on him every four days, knowing that he would deliver a solid outing every time.

However, even his pitching career comes with its share of flaws. With a career record of 193–128, an ERA of 4.04, and 965 strikeouts, Ferrell’s numbers are certainly not outstanding. But, when adjusted to account for the hitter-friendly era in which he played, his ERA of 116 ties for the 200th-best all-time. This statistic, while not a record, still represents a consistent and respectable performance despite the era he pitched in.

Wes Ferrell’s Batting Career

What truly sets Wes Ferrell apart is his dual role on the diamond. As a batter, he boasted a slashing line of .280/.351/.446, which contributed an impressive 11.1 Wins Above Replacement (WAR). This added to his overall WAR of 60.1, giving him a JAWS (Jaffe WAR Scaling) ranking of 41 among all-time starting pitchers.

Despite these numbers, Ferrell’s brother, Rick, is already in the Hall of Fame as a catcher. It's an ironic and somewhat surprising situation that Wes, the better all-around player, remains ineligible.

Comparisons and Case for Induction

Wes Ferrell's WAR of 60.1 is even more impressive when compared to other HOF pitchers. His combination of hitting and pitching is unparalleled, and his WAR7 of 54.4 places him among the top 26 all-time, despite the hitter-friendly era he played in. Additionally, his WAR/162 of 5.3 is also in the top 37 all-time.

His performance in 1935 is particularly noteworthy. With a WAR of 10.6, including 8.2 as a pitcher and a staggering 2.4 as a hitter, Ferrell could have been an even more dominant force if given more opportunities to hit. Had he been allowed to bat full-time, his total WAR could have reached a ridiculous 17.

Ferrell's consistency and multitasking as a pitcher and hitter make him a significant player in his era. His achievements, including leading the league in complete games for three consecutive seasons, winning 20 games six times over eight years, and having two seasons of 25 wins, are all hallmarks of a stellar career.

Conclusion: A Case in Point

While it may seem that Ferrell's career, when considered alone, does not merit HOF induction, a closer look reveals a player whose dual role as an all-star pitcher and hitter has been severely undervalued. The combination of his 11.1 WAR in batting and his overall WAR of 60.1, along with his JAWS ranking and top-26 WAR7, make a compelling case for his inclusion in the Baseball Hall of Fame.

Wes Ferrell, much like Babe Ruth, was a unique player who excelled in both pitching and hitting. Only in the modern era have we seen a player like Shohei Ohtani achieve similar feats. Given his consistent strong performance and the combination of his pitching and batting, Ferrell deserves a place among the greats of baseball.

As for his brother Rick, while he is undoubtedly a talented player and is in the Hall of Fame, it is Wes Ferrell who has the more compelling case for induction based on his dual role on the field.